Drama in Washington as driver kills police officer outside Capitol

A police officer was killed after a man rammed a car into two officers at a barricade outside the US Capitol in Washington DC and emerged with a knife.

Video showed the driver of the crashed car emerging with the weapon and running at police, Capitol Police Acting Chief Yogananda Pittman said.

The driver stabbed one of the officers, Ms Pittman said. Authorities shot the suspect, who died at a hospital. “This has been an extremely difficult time for US Capitol Police after the events of January 6 and now the events that have occurred here today,” Ms Pittman said.

She did not identify the slain officer or suspect. Authorities said there was no ongoing threat and that the attack did not appear to be related to terrorism.

There was also no immediate link apparent between yesterday’s crash and the January 6 riot.

The crash and shooting happened at a security checkpoint near the Capitol as Congress is on recess.

It comes as the Washington region remains on edge nearly three months after the storming of the Capitol in support of Donald Trump.

Five people died in the January 6 riot, including officer Brian Sicknick.

The security checkpoint is typically used by senators and staff on weekdays, but lawmakers are on a break. The attack occurred about 100 yards from the entrance of the building on the Senate side of the Capitol.

President Biden had just departed the White House for Camp David when the attack occurred.

RAMPAGE: US Capitol Police officers stand near a car that crashed into a barrier on Capitol Hill in Washington DC.